Actor Omar Sy, known for his roles in The Intouchables, Jurassic World: Dominion, and the hit Netflix show Lupin, has publicly criticized the French government’s handling of ongoing student protests. During a guest appearance on France Inter, the actor urged authorities to prioritize listening to the students' demands over heavy-handed tactics.
The nationwide movement, which began in September, has seen students and teachers protesting against staff shortages, deteriorating school infrastructure, and defective equipment. Participants are also voicing broader anxieties regarding the cost-of-living crisis and their future career prospects. On Tuesday, more than 480,000 protesters took to the streets across France, carrying signs that read "Nos lycées tombent en ruines, comme nos espoirs" ("Our schools, like our hopes, are falling into ruin") and "Diplômés aujourd’hui, précaires demain" ("Graduates today, insecurity tomorrow"), according to the inter-union of high-school and university groups.
The protests have been marked by significant tension. Since the movement's inception, more than 6,800 youngsters have been placed in temporary police custody, and one teenager has suffered the loss of a hand. Official government data indicates that 147 National Education staff members have been injured, while nearly 40 investigations have been opened into potential police violence against demonstrators.
Sy expressed his frustration with the state's response, stating, "These are our kids; it is the future of our country that is speaking out to a nation that is completely adrift." The actor condemned the violence associated with the demonstrations, adding, "When I see that there’s no response to this, and that the immediate instinct is to stop them from speaking out, or to beat them up, or even to pit them against one another in childish brawls, I find it appalling." He questioned the role of adults in the situation, noting that instead of listening, the authorities are choosing to reprimand and punish, leaving the youth to navigate the conflict alone. Sy added, "In fact, it’s even worse. We tell them to be quiet, and then we expect them to reach an agreement on their own. We don’t even know what they have to say."
Sy is not the only public figure to support the movement. Other notable voices include environmental activist Greta Thunberg, NBA player Victor Wembanyama, singer Louane, and actor Vincent Lindon. Lindon, who recently starred in a new adaptation of Les Misérables, told Le Parisien that students are legitimately demanding basic necessities like chairs and functional sanitary facilities. He described the protests as a rare moment where the younger generation is asserting its rights against a state that "lacks the funds to buy social peace."
International observers have also raised concerns regarding the police response. Amnesty International has denounced the use of force as "disproportionate," while the UN Human Rights Office has expressed concern and called for de-escalation.
